Santa Fe begins review of city monuments, events

November 28, 2017

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The city of Santa Fe has compiled a list of its monuments and events as part of an initiative that Mayor Javier Gonzales hopes will spur discussions about the city’s cultural history.

The city on Monday made public the list that includes plaques, events, monuments and murals that are on city property or supported with public funds, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported .

Gonzales proposed an examination of the city’s historical and cultural markers as discussions continue across the country about monuments, especially those linked to the Confederacy.

“Native and Hispanic people have contributed so much to the richness of our community and, while it may be difficult at times, the conversation about how we do a better job of telling that story will require all of us to come together,” Gonzales said in a statement. “Once we do, I have no doubt in Santa Fe’s ability to heal and grow stronger.”

Residents can contribute to the inventory until the end of next month when the city will then compile a final report, city officials said. The report would likely inform policy proposals next year.

An event listed on the inventory is the Entrada, the annual re-enactment during the Fiesta de Santa Fe that depicts the Spanish conquistadors’ 1692 reoccupation of the city.

The event has prompted criticism and protests from opponents who say it glorifies violence against Native Americans.